Rigorous Imprisonment for Non-compliance of Quarantine Curfew: DIG Ajith Rohana

COLOMBO (News 1st): The resumption of civilian life while quarantine curfew is in place for Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara and Puttalam districts will begin on Monday, 11th May. “Excluding those who are employed, others must strictly adhere to the last digit of the NIC rule, when stepping out to purchase essential items, from next week,” told Deputy Inspector General of Police, Ajith Rohana to News 1st on Friday (08th May). DIG Ajith Rohana said, "The general public who don't go to work, should stay at home and they can come out to the nearest food centre or pharmacy in order to buy food, medicine and other essential items; however, the last digit of the NIC rule will be applicable to those who are stepping out of their homes." DIG Ajith Rohana was hopeful that a special gazette notification in this regard would be published by the Ministry of Health either on Saturday or Sunday. Thereby, DIG Ajith Rohana emphasized that "If a person violates or contravenes the provisions of this particular gazette notification they are dealt with the quarantine law. They are liable for a punishment of 2 years in rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 10,000." Meanwhile, Heads of all Institutions that resume operations next week must take measures to follow social distancing guidelines at workplaces. According to DIG Ajith Rohana, Heads of Institutions and Managers can choose the number of employees who must return to work from 11th May and thereby, social distancing guidelines must be followed at workplaces. "They need to maintain the principles of social distancing and apart from that a system should also be implemented to monitor the temperature of all employees constantly," said DIG Ajith Rohana. In respect of quarantine curfew, public transportation should carry only 50% of the capacity. DIG Ajith Rohana stressed that "The driver, conductor, owner of the vehicles or the institution vehicles belong to have a quarantine liability to adhere with these regulations, and in the event they fail to comply, they too will be dealt under quarantine law." In addition, passengers and the general public also have a responsibility to comply with the quarantine regulations.